JAZZ: A BRIEF HISTORY

RECENTLY, ONE OF MY SONS ASKED THE OTHER, "HAVE YOU EVER REALLY LISTENED TO THELONIOUS MONK?" 

Dizzy Gillespie's Dream Band - Manteca - 1982

Dizzy Gillespie was as responsible as anyone for wedding Latin rhythms to Jazz in post WWII NYC. 35 years later, when this performance was filmed and now, 65 years after he opened our ears to World music, Diz' is still one of the most vibrant sounds around. 

Manteca!

Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillepsie

Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie - Hot House - 1951

Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins - 1950

Dizzy Gillespie in Cuba

Dizzy Gillespie was as responsible as anyone for wedding Latin to Afro jazz rhythms in post WWII NYC starting a musical ripple that ultimately spread around the world.  That's just one of the reasons why Dizzy Gillespie should be universally revered. This is a performance of his classic 1947 composition, "Manteca", performed in Cuba in 1988 with a dream band featuring trumpeter Arturo Sandoval behind him. 

MANTECA!!

With an open heart an open mind and unsurpassed facility on his instrument, Dizzy Gillespie was as responsible as anyone for wedding Latin to Afro-American jazz in post WWII NYC starting a musical ripple that ultimately spread throughout the world.  That's just one of the reasons why he  should be universally revered. 12.6.11 

Manteca is among his most enduring compositions. Here's why:

Original recording - 1947

Dizzy with the Kenny Clarke Big Band 1970

Dizzy and his "dream band" featuring John Lewis (p), Milt Jackson (vibes), Max Roach (d), Jon Faddis (tr) (1982)

Dizzy in Havana with Arturo Sandoval (1985) 

Part 1

Part 2